Treatment Tables to Improve Compliance with Glaucoma Treatment

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To determine whether treatment tables and detailed explanation on the treatment regimen, have an influence on compliance with treatment and thus on the intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. Methods: Seventy four glaucoma patients (143 eyes, 70 right and 73 left) taking 3 or 4 types of glaucoma medications, were included. Treatment tables were designed in our department, and they included the current glaucoma medications at the top of the table and the hours of the day on the side. Patients also received a detailed explanation on how to use the tables and the importance of treatment. The IOP before the use of the tables was the mean of 2 measurements and the IOP after the distribution of the tables and the explanation, was a mean of 3 IOP measurements. General linear analysis of variance was used for statistical evaluation. Results: Mean age of patients was 74.7±11.1 years. The mean IOP in the left eye was 19.63 mmHg and 15.79 mmHg and in the right eye 19.03 mmHg and 15.30mmHg before and after using the treatment tables, respectively (p< 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the IOP of the right and the left eyes, before and after the use of the treatment tables, regardless of the number of medications (3 or 4). Conclusions: Treatment tables and a detailed explanation for patients using 3 or 4 glaucoma medications may decrease the IOP by 20%. These tables may be effective in IOP decrease, as adding a new medication.

Keywords: intraocular pressure • drug toxicity/drug effects • quality of life